Hydraulic control for gyratory crusher



May 7, 1957 A. w. KJELGAARD 2,791,383

HYDRAULIC CONTROL RoR GYRATORY cRUsHER 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April l0, 1952 INVENToR. yZL/f/ M @{yaaf'a/ B Y m MM y forneys May 7, 1957 Filed April l0. 1952 A. w. KJELGAARD 2,791,383

HYDRAULIC CONTROL, FOR GYRATORY CRUSHER 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

229/ ,Z/ dard' Elorneyg May 7, 1957 A. w. KJELGAARD HYDRAULIC CONTROL FOR GYRATORY cRUsHRR 5 Shee'ts-Sheet 3 Filed April 1o, 1.952

United States Patent' 0 HYDRAULIC CONTRL FR GYRATRY CRUSHER Axel W. Kjelgaard, Milwaukee, Wis.

Application April 10, 1952, Seria! No. 281,576

11 Claims. (Cl. ZKM-290) This invention relates to stone and ore Crushers and particularly to the adjustment and safety release of the fixed outer crushing member or concave of a gyratory Crusher.

The invention provides for the coordinated hydraulic raising and lowering of the outer crushing member or concave by means of a series of cylinders and pistons and an overload release which automatically stops the motor driving the crusher as when foreign material becomes lodged within the Crusher and endangers the workingV parts thereof.

A principal object of the invention is to provide for the immediate release of the, hydraulic system securing the outer crushing member.

Another object is to provide pressure-sensitive means which will immediately discontinue the operation ofthe Crusher.

AAnother object' is to provide for the ready adjustment of the outer crushing member to compensate for Wear of the crushing surfaces and for adjustment to vary thev size of the crushed material.

Another object is to provide an improved bearing support of the outer crushing member within the frame of the crusheu Another object is to provide for the. selective raising of the outer fixed crushing member aY predetermined maximum distance sufficient to free or permit dislodging of the entrapped foreign object;

These and other objects and advantages will appear in connection with the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a veritcal transverse section of the Crusher;v

Fig; 2 shows the electrical and hydraulic circuit controlling the main driving motor with the fluidi pressure supply means shown in elevation. The overload release valve shown in detail is broken away and sectioned to show the interior working partsthereof and the seriesv of` cylinders supporting the outer fixed crushing memberand the valve control therefor areshown diagrammatically;

Fig. 3 is an4 enlarged detaill sectionl through apart of thecrusher and one of the cylinders;v Y

Fig. 4 is a section taken on lines 4 4 of Fig; 3 showing the bearings securing the fixed crushing member radially and against rotation;

Fig. 5 is a view taken onV line 5 5 of l-Tig. 3 showing the bearings in side elevation; and

Fig. 6 is a view similar to theenlarged detail view of. the release valve shown in Fig. 2 and in the releasedposition.

The present invention is applicable to various types,- of gyratory Crushers and is illustratedas applied to a Crusher of the type employing the drive motor inside the Crusher head, as shown in the Vcopending application filed-by thev present inventor on` April 10, 1952, Serial No. 281.575 for Gyratory Crusher, now Patent No. 2,713,461.

2,791,383 Patented May 7, 1957 fice The frame 1 of the crusher shown in the drawings carries the stationary vertical column 2 within the upright annular wall 3 of frame 1. Frame 1 is supported on a suitable foundation, not shown, and carries the entire structure 4 for relative adjustment within the upper end of wall 3 above column 2 as will be described.

The motor housing 5 mounted for rotation on bearing 6 and 7 is rotated relative to column 2 by the motor 8 mounted Within the housing as described and claimed in said copending application. The upper and lower bearings 9 and 10 carried by housing S support the crushing head 11 for relative rotation on the gyratory axis 12 intersecting the vertical axis of column 2 a short distance above bearing 9. The replaceable mantle 13 is mounted 0n head 11 and is secured thereon by the cap 14 fitting the threaded stud 15 of head 11. The structure 4 carried by frame 1 includes the outer crushing member or concave 16 fitted with the liner 17 and the hopper 1S.

in the operation of the Crusher, the material is delievered to hopper 18 as from chute 19 and passes from the hopper into member 16 between concave liner 17 and mantle 13. The plate 20 mounted on the upper end of cap 14 by means of the bolts 21 gyrates to distribute the material evenly around the periphery of concave liner 17. The material which is reduced to the maximum size desired is allowed to pass from between the lower open end of liner 17 and mantle 13 and drops therefrom downwardly to a chute, not shown, within frame 1 of the Crusher.

The desired size of the material after crushing is provided for by the vertical adjustment of structure 4 and particularly concave 16 and liner 17 relative to mantle 13. According to the invention, this adjustment and the fixed support of structure 4i is provided by the hydraulically actuated pistons 22 which are 4connected to member 16 and operate within the corresponding cylinders 23 connected to the outside of the frame wall 3. Each cylinder 23 is pivotally supported at its lower end between pairs of brackets 24 which extend radially outwardly of the frame wall 3 of the crusher. The corresponding pairs of brackets 25 projecting outwardly over brackets 24 from member 16 are pivotally connected at their outer ends to the upper ends of piston rods 26 of the corre sponding cylinder.

The annular groove 27 formed in the outer portion of member 16 is fitted with the hardened steel wear-ring 2S. The ball bearings 29 are loosely set in groove Z7 and engage the cylindrical liner 30 within frame wall 3 to secure member 16 laterally within frame wall 3. A number of projecting blocks 31 set in groove 27 at spaced locations about member 16 extend from member 16 into the corresponding vertical slots 32 in the upper end of frame wall 3. The bolts;l 33 secure block 31 to member 16 within groove 27 whereby structure 4, including member 16, is secured against rotation relative to frame 1. The secured ends of blocks 31 adjacent each slot 32 replaces balls 29 and prevent the balls from dropping from groove 27 through the adjacent slot. '1' he upper and lower annular felt seals 34 and 35 carried by member 16 engage the liner Sil to protect the bearing surfaces of balls 29 against dirt.

The adjustment and support of member 16 by hydraulic pressure is provided by the pump do driven by the motor 37 and connected to the tank 38 which latter carries a supply of oil. The delivery line 39 from pump Se is connected to the. header' 4t) which extends in a circle around the Crusher and is connected by suitable fittings 41 to the corresponding lower end of each cylinder 23.

The adjustable pressure relief valve 42 in line 43 which connects line 39 and tank 3S maintains a determined limit of pressure. within line 39 and theV lower ends of cylinders 23. The line take-olf 44 from delivery and the manually operatedvalve 46. Line 44 is connected to the crusher lubrication system, not shown, whereby limited amounts of oil may be Withdrawn from line 39 and pump 36 for such purposes as required.

In the normal operation of the crusher, the crusher is driven by the motor 8 shown in Figure 1 and diagrammatically in Fig. 2, While the pump 36 driven by motor 37 maintains iluid under pressure in the lower ends of cylinders 23 to support member 16 in the desired position of vertical adjustment which is maintained, according to the invention, by the control of the Huid contained in the upper ends of the cylinders. The control of the vertical adjustment of member 16 is eiected by the hand pump 47 connected to tank 38 and the delivery line 48 from pump 47 and connected to the distributing valve 49. Valve 49 is connected to one of each of the three groups of cylinders 23 by the lines 50. The lines 51 connect the upper ends of cylinders 23 of each group.

The lever of the valve 49 is preferably interlocked with the starter of the crusher motor so that this can be started only when the lever 52 is -in general position.

Operation of hand pump 47 and the selective disposition of lever 52 controlling valve 49 provides for the delivery of fluid to the desired group of cylinders 23. The several groups of cylinders are arranged around the crusher whereby member 16 may be angularly readjusted respecting the axis of Column Z as required by the manual delivery of fluid to the corresponding group of cylinders. The connection of line 48 and the upper ends of all the cylinders 23 is provided also by means of valve 49, wherein member 16 may be lowered by operation of hand pump 47 to deliver liuid to the upper ends of all cylinders 23 and depress pistons 22 therein against the pressure maintained by pump 36 in the lower ends of the cylinders. The by-pass conduit 53 from delivery line 48 to tank 38 is controlled by the valve 54. By opening valve S4 and the adjustment of valve 49 connecting any or allV of the several groups of cylinders 23 with line 48, the pressure maintained by pump 36 in the lower ends of cylinders 23 may be utilized to effect the corresponding raising of member 16 as desired.

The safety relief valve 55 shown in detail is connected to delivery line 48 by line 56 and to tank 38 by line 57. Valve 55 operates to allow the release of fluid normally maintained in the upper ends-of cylinders 23 upon reaching a predetermined excessive pressure which may be caused by the operation of the crusher upon-encountering a piece of iron, or the like, within member 16.

The valve 55 includes the valve body 58 and the movable piston 59 and stem 60 connected thereto. The lower enlarged end of stern 60 is supported for axial movement within bore 61 at the lower end of valve body 58. Piston 59 is supported for movement within the large cylindrical chamber formed in the upper end of valve body 58. The intermediate bore 63 connects chamber 62 and bore 61 and is disposed to receive the plug 64 formed adjacent to piston 59. The spring 65 within chamber 62 is seated at one end against the upper face of piston 59. The turn screw 66 at the upper end of valve body 58 is disposed to secure spring 65 with the desired tension against piston '59. Spring 65 normally secures piston 59 against the lower end of chamber 62 and plug 64 within the bore 63 as shown in Fig. 2 to close the latter. Line 56 from the delivery line 48 is connected to valve 55 to admit liuid under pressure to bore 63. Bore 63 and plug 64 are slightly larger than bore 61 and stem 60 to provide a pressure differential which is elective against the action of spring 65. When such pressure dilerential reaches a predetermined minimum effective against spn'ng 65 to lift piston 59 and plug 64 from the upper end of bore 63, the pressure thereupon becomes effective against the entire area of the lower face of piston 59 to lift upwardly the piston fully within chamber 62. The discharge line 57 is connected to valve body 58 at the lower end of chamber 62 so that when the piston is lifted as described, line 57 is placed in communication with line 56 as shown in Fig. 6. At such times the fluid in the upper ends of each of the cylinders 23 is allowed to pass to tank 38 and the pressure maintained by pump 36 within the lower ends of cylinders 23 is immediately effective to lift member 16 as when foreign objects are lodged between mantle 13 of head 11 and liner 17 of member 16.

The electrical lead wires 67 and 68 are connected respectively to motor 37 which operates pump 36 and to motor 8 which drives the crusher. The switch 69 is operated by rod 70 and stern 60 of valve 55 and is normally maintained closed by stern 60 to provide for the operation of the motors under normal conditions.

Switch 69 is connected by electrical lead wires 71 to the relay 72 which controls the electrical supply through wires 67 and 68 to motors 8 and 37. Upon overload of the crusher and the release of valve 55, as described, the lifting of stem 60 by the excessive pressure against piston 59 allows the spring 73 to open switch 69 and immediately cause relay 72 to interrupt the electrical power tomotors 8 and 37. The further operation of the crusher by motor 8 is thereupon discontinued and the operation of motor 37 is also discontinued. The signal bell 74 is connected to a source of electricity by wires 75 controlled by the switch 76. Switch 76 is disposed to be operated by spring 73 upon release of valve 55 as described. Bell 74 serves to sound an alarm when an object is encountered which interrupts the operation of thecrusher.V

During such interruption of the crusher operation, the release by valve 55 of fluid in the upper ends of cylinders 23, allows the member 16 to rise suciently to protect the parts of the crusher against damage Without releasing the material within the member 16. The accumulator 77 connected yto line 39 may be provided to maintain a sucient pressure reserve within the lower ends of cylinders 23 after release of valve 55 and opening of switch 69 to raise member 16 to a limited extent.

The uid line 78 from the lower end of tank 38 to delivery line 39 is controlled by the valve 79. Valve 79 includes the ball 80 which is seated in the valve by the spring 81 to preclude flow of fluid to the tank from line 39. Valve 79 allows lluid from tank 38 to by-pass pump 36 and reach the pump delivery line 39 when the upward movement of pistons 22 allowed by the release of valve 55 creates a demand within line 39 which exceeds the delivery of pump 36 particularly after switch 69 is opened and the pump is inoperative. f

The threaded member 82 of valve 79 adjustably secures spring 81 `against ball 80 and may be provided to reseat ball 80 against predetermined negative pressure or demand Within line 39 to retard the upward movement of member 16.

Upon the opening of valve 55 and the opening of switch 69, operation of the crusher by motor 8 is discontinued. The operator or attendant may then determine the nature of the foreign object lodged within member 16 and-the extent to which the structure 4 must be raised further to allow removal and dislodgment of the foreign object. The lifting of member 16 to allow such removal may be effected by restarting motor 37 separately of motor 8 and by opening valve 54 which will allowthe re-establshed pressure in the lower ends of cylinders 23 to lift member- 16 to the extent necessary to release the foreign object land remove the same. The angular readjustment of member 16 may then be made if necessary by operation of valve 49 and pump 47 to ylower member 16 to the original position of adjustment and operation. Operation of the crusher by restarting motor 8 may then be resumed. During normal operation of the crusher, the material to be crushed isconstantly supplied to member 16 from hopper 18. Member 16 is generally full of such matefrial being crushed so that the gyratory motion of crushing avenues head 11 carrying mantle 13 maintains outer member 16 normal respecting the vertical axis of column 2.

The upper ends of all the cylinders 23 are in common communication through lines 50 and 51 and valve 49 and the lower ends of the cylinders lare in common communication with header 40 to allow member 16 angular adjustment except as maintained by the crushing action. The frictional resistance to flow of the fluid under pressure in the hydraulic circuits to a given degree prevents yangular displacement which might occur in the interval of a complete revolution of head 11 and mantle 13 about the axis of column 2. The pressure maintained by pump 36 in cylinders 23 serves to maintain the frictional resistance above normal values and assures the angular rigidity or securement of the outer ycrushing member as described.

The invention provides for the support and adjustment of the outer crushing member which is easily maintained for service. The bearing support of member 16 by balls 29 disposed between lining 28 and the liner 30 of frame wall 3 allows for the angular displacement of member 16 as by a foreign object lodged therein at one side whereby the fixed and operating parts of the crusher are more effectively protected against damage. The several groups of cylinders 23 are readily accessible and easily maintained. The operation of the pressure relief valve 55 provides for the immediate release of member 16 to protect the same and other parts of the crusher against damage.

Various embodiments of the invention may be employed within the scope of the accompanying claims.

I claim:

l. In a gyratory crusher including a frame, a crushing head supported by and within said frame for gyratory movement, an outer crushing member disposed to receive `the material to 'be crushed between the inner surface thereof and said head, and a hydraulic system for supporting the outer crushing member from the frame, which comprises a series of hydraulic actuators arranged in groups about the frame and connecting said frame and member to support the latter for relative vertical :adjustment relative to the head'to control the size of the aperture between the head and outer crushing member, a first hydraulic fluid pressure supply means connected to the corresponding ends of said actuators to effect the upward adjustment of said member relative to the frame and the head by fluid pressure, a separately controlled hydraulic fluid supply means selectively connected to the corresponding opposite ends of `the actuators of each group to establish the angular position of said outer crushing member and to the said corresponding opposite ends of the entire number of said Iactuators to maintain within said corresponding opposite ends of the actuators a fixed supply of hydraulic fluid therein and limit the upward adjustment by said first hydraulic fluid pressure supply means, the frictional resistance of said hydraulic system to said hydraulic fluid being maintained above normal values by said first named hydraulic fluid pressure supply means to maintain the angular adjustment of the outer crushing member, `and pressure relief means connected to said last named fluid supply means to open the latter in response to the pressure therein and within the `corresponding ends of said actuators above a predetermined minimum effected by the operation of the crusher upon a foreign object.

2. ln a gynatory Crusher including a frame, a crushing head supported by said frame for gyratory motion, an outer crushing member disposed to receive the material to be crushed between the inner surface thereof and said head, and a hydraulic system for supporting the outer crushing member from the frame, which comprises a number of series of double acting hydraulic actuators arranged about the frame, each actuator comprising a cylinder connected to said frame and a piston movable thereinV and having a rod extending therefrom and connested to the outer crushing member to support the corresponding sides of the outer crushing member for relative vertical adjustment, a rst hydraulic fluid pressure supply means connected t-o the corresponding ends of said cylinders to effect the upward adjustment of said member relative to the frame and head by hydraulic fluid pressure, and separately controlled hydraulic fluid supply means connected to the corresponding opposite ends of the cylinders of each series of actuators to deliver to and maintain within the corresponding ends of the cylinders thereof a fixed supply of hydraulic fluid therein and effect and limit, respectively, the downward land upward adjustment of the corresponding side of the member against the action of or by said first named pressure supply` means, the frictional resistance of said hydraulic system to said hydraulic fluid being maintained above normal values by said first named hydraulic fluid pressure supply means to maintain the angular adjustment of the outer crushing member, and pressure relief means connected to said llast named fluid pressure supply means to allow elevation of the member as by operation of the Crusher upon a foreign object lodged therein.

3. In a gyratory crusher including a frame, a crushing head supported by said frame for gyratory movement, an outer crushing member adjlacent to said head and disposed to receive the material to be crushed, and a hydraulic system for supporting the outer crushing member from the frame, which comprises a series of double acting hydraulic actuators equally spaced and arranged about the frame and connecting said frame and said member to support the latter for relative vertical adjustunent with respect to the head to control the size of the aperture between the head and outer crushing member, a constant hydraulic fluid pressure supply means connected to the corresponding ends of said Iactuators to effect the elevation :of said member relative to the frame and the head by hydraulic fluid pressure, a separately controlled hydraulic fluid supply means connected to the corresponding opposite ends of said actuators and including a manu- Ially operable valve selectively effective to maintain within said corresponding opposite ends of the actuators a fixed sappy of hydraulic fluid therein to determine the angular position of said outer Crusher member and limit the elevation otherwise effected by said first named constant hydraulic fluid pressure supply means, the frictional resistiance of said hydraulic system to said hydraulic fluid being maintained above normal values by said first named hydraulic fluid pressure supply means to maintain the angular adjustment of the outer crushing member, a discharge conduit from said separately controlled fluid supply means, and a valve connected in said discharge conduit to control the latter and including a movable member disposed to open said conduit in response to the pressu-re therein and within the corresponding ends of said actuators above a predetermined minimum effected by movement of the head in the operation of the crusher as against a foreign object in said member and allow lifting of the latter by the head to prevent damage to the crusher.

4. ln a gynatory c-rusher including a frame, a crushing head supported by said frame for gyratory movement, an outer crushing member adjacent to said head and disposed to receive the material to be crushed between the same and said head, and a hydraulic system for supporting the outer crushing member from the frame, which comprises a series of double acting hydraulic actuators arranged about the frame and connecting said frame and said member, each actuator comprising a cylinder and a piston movable therein and having a rod extending from one end of each cylinder and connected to th-e outer crushing member and having the cylinder -connected to said frame, said actuators supporting the crushing member for relative vertical adjustment with respect to said head to control the size of the aperture between the outer crushing member and head, a constant hydraulic fluid pressure supply means connected to the corresponding ends of said cylinders to effect the elevation of said member relative to the frame and the head by hydraulic uid pressure, a separately controlled hydraulic uid supply means connected to the corresponding opposite ends of said' cylinders and including a manually operable valve selectively effective to maintain within said corresponding opposite ends of the cylinders a fixed supply of hydraulic fluid therein to determine the angular position of said outer crushing member and limit the elevation thereof otherwise effected by said first named constant hydraulic uid pressure supply means, the frictional resistance of said hydraulic system to said hydraulic fluid being maintained above normal values by said first named hydraulic fiuid pressure supply means to maintain the angular adjustment of the outer crushing member, a discharge conduit from said separately controlled fluid supply means, a valve connected in said discharge conduit to control the latter and including a movable valve member disposed to open said conduit in response to the pressure therein and within the corresponding ends of said cylinders above a predetermined minimum effected by movement of the head in the operation of the crusher as against a foreign object between the head and said member and allow lifting of the latter by the head to preclude damage -to the crusher, land a second discharge conduit including a manually operable valve and connected to said separately controlled hydraulic Huid pressure supply means to allow the selective draining of the latter 'and of the hydraulic fluid from said cylinders whereby said first named hydraulic fluid pressure supply means is allowed to effect elevation of the member to release the foreign lobject lodged therein.

5. In a gyratory crusher including a frame, a crushing head supported by said frame for gyratory motion, an outer crushing member adjacent to and above said head and disposed to receive the material to be crushed between the inner surface thereof and said head, and a hydraulic system for supporting the outer crushing member from the frame, which comprises a number of separate series of spaced hydraulic actuators arranged about the frame with respect to said head to control the size of the aperture between the outer crushing member and head, each actuator comprising a cylinder and a piston movable therein and each cylinder being connected to the frame and each piston being connected to the outer crushing member Yto support the corresponding sides of the member for relative vertical adjustment with respect to said head to control the size of the aperture between the outer crushing member and head, hydraulic fluid pressure supply means connected to the corresponding ends of said cylinders to effect the elevation of said member relative to the frame and the head by hydraulic fluid pressure, and separately controlled hydraulic fluid supply means connected to the corresponding opposite ends of the cylinders of each series of actuators and including a manually operable valve selectively effective to maintain within the corresponding ends of the cylinders of each series of actuators a fixed supply of hydraulic fluid therein to determine the angular position of said outer crushing member andV limit the elevation of the corresponding side of the member otherwise effected by said first named hydraulic pressure supply means, the frictional resistance of said hydraulic system to said hydraulic uid being maintained above normal values by said first named hydraulic fluid pressure supply means to maintain the angular adjustment of the outer crushing member, a discharge conduit from said last named hydraulic fiuid supply means, and a valve connected in said conduit to control the same and including a movable valve member disposed to open in response to the pressure therein and within the corresponding ends of said cylinders above a predetermined minimum whereby said first named hydraulic fiuid pressure supply means is allowed at least partially to effect elevation of the outer crushing members to release the foreign material lodged therein.

6. In a gyratory Crusher including a frame, a crushing head supported by said frame within said frame for rotary and gyratory motion, and an outer crushing member within said trarne and above said head and disposed to receive thematerial to be crushed between the inner surface thereof and the head; a series of hydraulic actuators arranged about the'frameV and connecting said frame and Vmember to support the latter for relative verticalradjustment with respect/to said head, fiuid pressure supply means connected to the corresponding ends of said actuators to effect the elevationof said member relative to the frame and the head by fluid pressure beneath said pistons, a selectively controlled liuid supply means connected to the corresponding opposite ends of said cylinders and including a-manually operable valve selectively effective to maintain within the corresponding ends of said cylinders a fixed supply of fiuid therein and limit the elevation otherwise effected by said first named pressure supply means, abutment means between said frame and said member to prevent relative rotation thereof and rotation with said head, a ring fixed to said member within said frame and having an annular outer groove, and a series of ball bearings arranged in said groove and engaging the inner face of said frame to secure the member therein against lateral displacement and relatively freely disposed in said groove to allow with a minimum of friction the limited relative movement of the member and frame incident to theY gyratory motion of the crushing head. 1 Y

7. In a gyratory Crusher including a frame, a crushing headv supported by and within said frame, au electric motor driving said crushing head, an outer crushing member within said frame and above said head and disposed to receive the material to be crushed between the inner surface thereof and the head, and a hydraulic system for supporting the outer crushing member from the frame, which 'comprises a series of hydraulic actuators arranged about the frame and connecting said frame and member to support the latter for relative vertical adjustment with respect to said head to control the size of the aperture between the outer crushing member and head, an electrically driven constant hydraulic fiuid pressure supply means connected to the corresponding ends of said actuators to effect the elevation of said member relative to the frame and the head by hydraulic fluid pressure, a hydraulic fluid pressure accumulator connected to said hydraulic uid pressure supply means, a separately controllcd hydraulic fluid supply means connected to the corresponding opposite ends of said actuators and including a manuallyl operable valve selectively effective to maintain within said corresponding opposite ends of the actuators a fixed supply of hydraulic fluid therein to determine the angular position of said outer crushing member and limit the elevation otherwise effected by said first named constant fluid pressure supply means, the frictional resistance of said hydraulic system to said hydraulic fiuid being maintained above normal values by said first named hydraulic fluid pressure supply means to maintain the angular adjustment of the outer crushing member, a discharge conduit from said separately controlled hydraulic fluid supply means, a valve connected in said discharge conduit to control thev latter and including a movable member -and with said hydraulic uid pressure accumulator pro- Yviding thereupon a limited elevation of the member and support of the same in such elevated position.

8. In a gyratory c ,rusher including va circular frame, a

crushing head Isupported by and Within said frame for gyratory motion, and an outer crushing member within said frame and above said head and disposed to receive material to be crushed between the inner surface thereof and said head; releasable means connected to the frame and member to support the latter for relative vertical adjustment, abutment means between said frame and said outer crushing member to prevent relative rotation, a part of said member within said frame having an annular outer groove, and series of ball bearings arranged in said groove and engaging the inner face of said frame to secure the member therein against lateral displacement and relatively freely disposed in said groove to allow with a minimum of friction the limited relative movement of the member and frame incident to the gyratory motion of the head.

9. In a gyratory crusher, a frame member, a cone gyratable within the frame member, a bowl member cooperating with the cone to provide a crushing chamber, and a hydraulic system supporting the bowl from the frame member and comprising, spaced double acting hydraulic actuators disposed about the crushing chamber and each having a cylinder and a piston movable within its cylinder between opposed displacement chambers, `all of said cylinders being connected to one or said members and all of saidpistons being connected to the other of said members, means for varying the quantity of hydraulic uid in the displacement chambers on the corresponding sides of all of the pistons to change the effective width of the crushing chamber, and means for effecting release of the hydraulic uid in the displacement chambers on the corresponding other sides of all of the pistons whenever abnormal pressure is applied to the bowl member from within the crushing chamber to effect free separation of the bowl member and cone, said first named means including a source of hydraulic uid under pressure and maintaining the frictional resistance of the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system above normal values to secure the angular adjustment of the bowl member.

10. In a gyratory crusher, a frame member, a cone gyratably supported within the frame member, a bowl member disposed in said frame around the cone and cooperating with the cone to provide a crushing chamber therebetween, circumferentially spaced double acting hydraulic actuators disposed about the crushing chamber with each actuator having a cylinder and a piston movable between opposed displacement chambers, all of said cyl inders being connected to one of said members and all of said pistons being connected to the other of said members, a source of hydraulic liquid, means connecting the source of hydraulic liquid to the displacement chambers, a pump connected to the source of hydraulic liquid to force liquid through the connecting means and into 'the displacement chambers on the corresponding sides of all oi' the pistons to maintain a predetermined minimum constant fluid pressure against said corresponding sides of each of said pistons for normal crushing operations, and automatic valve means for releasing Huid in the displacement chambers on the corresponding opposite sides of all of the pistons whenever abnormal pressure is applied to the bowl member from within the crushing chamber to effect free separation of the bowl member and cone.

ll. In a gyratory crusher, a frame member, a cone disposed within said frame member for gyratory movement, a bowl member located above said cone and disposed to receive the material to be crushed between the inner surface thereof and said cone, a plurality of double acting hydraulic actuators circumferentially spaced about said bowl and each comprising an outer housing and a movable piston, said housings being connected to one of said members and said pistons being connected to the other of said members for relative vertical movement of said bowl, constant uid pressure supply means connected to each housing on corresponding sides of each of the pistons to maintain the bowl in a predetermined position relative to the cone under normal crushing conditions, selectively operable valve means connected to the space within each housing on the corresponding opposite side of each of said pistons to change the amount of luid in such spaces, and a pump connected to the selectively operable valve means for delivering fluid selected by the valve means to the desired actuator to angularly adjust said bowl member.

References Cited in the iile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Great Britain May 17, 1949 

